Emmerdale star Georgia Jay has revealed she secretly gave birth to her first child over the summer.

The actress, who plays Steph Milligan on the ITV soap, revealed that back in June she'd welcomed a daughter named Nora, as she posted a snap with her baby on New Year's Eve.

Georgia had announced back in June she was expecting her first child, and revealed in her post that she gave birth just weeks later.

The soap star was immediately flooded with comments from her Emmerdale co-stars, with Beth Cordingly - who plays her on-screen mum Ruby - writing: 'You are perfect and so is she. Love you x.'

Laura Norton, who plays Kerry Wyatt, commented: 'Yay congrats gorgeous' alongside three heart emojis.

Georgia announced her pregnancy on Instagram back in June, writing: 's you’ve probably guessed, I’ve got some news to share! 

Emmerdale star Georgia Jay has revealed she secretly gave birth to her first child over the summer (pictured during her pregnancy on the set of the soap)

'I know some of you have been wondering if you’ve been seeing a little bump on screen lately… well, it’s not your imagination... I’m having a baby! 

'We’ve never been so excited and a little nervous all at once. Thank you for all the love and support.'

Viewers saw Georgia's character Steph temporarily leave the soap back in August to coincide with the actress' maternity leave.  

It comes following reports that fellow star Joe Absolom has left his role as villainous Ray Walters as he exits the soap alongside his equally evil onscreen mother, played by Jaye Griffiths.

The actor, 47, who joined the ITV show earlier this year in one of their darkest ever storylines, is said to have already filmed his final scenes.

Joe's character, alongside his mum farmer Celia Daniels, had been up to all manner of dastardly deeds, including drug dealing, prostitution and modern-day slavery.

But despite hopes Ray could redeem his evil ways after falling for Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy) he will be waving goodbye to the village in scenes that will air ahead of the show's huge Corrie crossover.

A source told The Sun: 'Bosses knew they only ever had Joe for a certain amount of time, but they’ve definitely made the most of having someone of his calibre in the village.

The actress, who plays Steph Milligan on the ITV soap, revealed that back in June she'd welcomed a daughter named Nora, as she posted a snap with her baby on New Year's Eve